Method for purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages of impurities

ABSTRACT

A system and method of the purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages is based on the action of hydrodynamic cavitation processing of microbiological and chemical contaminants, micro particles and colloidal particles. The fluid flow moves at a high rate through a multi-stage cavitation device and filtration module to generate hydrodynamic cavitation features in the fluid flow. The cavitation features generate changes in the velocity, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and physical properties of the liquid. The cavitation features also prevent the deposition of contaminants upon and remove contaminants from the surface of the filter module, reduce the load on the filter elements and increase the life of the filter module.

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/711,169 filedDec. 11, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,927,018), which is a divisional ofco-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/796,570 filed Oct. 27, 2017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for purification ofdrinking water, aqueous solutions of alcohols (alcohol and alcoholbeverages—vodka, whiskey, rum, brandy, wine, etc.) and finds numerousapplications in alcohol production, food industries and at home.Removable contaminants include micro particles, colloidal particles,microbiological and chemical impurities whose concentration can bedecreased to the allowable levels in one pass through the presentapparatus. The proposed method generates changes in the fluidic flow'svelocity, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and physicalproperties in order to reduce the concentration of impurities and toincrease the lifetime of membranes and filters for cleaning liquids frombiological, chemical and mechanical impurities.

In the production of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beverages,their components (water, ethanol, etc.) are purified by varioustechnologies. Water is typically treated with a reagent method(coagulation, lime-soda), ion exchange resins (Na-cation exchange,cation and anion exchange resins), an adsorption method (using activatedcarbon), a redox method (de-ironing, ozonization), or membranefiltration (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis). Ethanol may be purifiedby multiple distillation, or chemical treatment with various reagentsand filtration.

In clarification of wine, hydrophilic colloids (casein, egg white,gelatin, fish glue and others) may be introduced to interact with winecolloids. Insoluble compounds resulting from the interaction of proteinand tannin substances form flakes, which, settling on the bottom, carrywith them the fine particles suspended in the wine, and make it lighter.Clarification of wine is usually carried out in two stages:agglomeration of particles (coagulation) and precipitation of a solidphase (sedimentation).

After the preparation of alcohol beverages according to a certainrecipe, they are filtered to retain the fine particles formed during thepurification process. To remove impurities, which give alcohol beveragesan unpleasant odor and taste, they are treated with activated carbon.After treatment with activated carbon, alcohol beverages are filtered toremove the smallest particles of coal.

Even after purification in an industrial plant, ethanol and some alcoholbeverages, made from ethanol, have low flavor qualities and a sharpodor. This is a consequence of the presence in ethanol of chemicalimpurities, which impair the organoleptic quality of alcohol beverages.

Alcohol beverages can contain such impurities as Acetaldehyde and/orAcetal, Benzene, Methanol, Fusel Oils (as Isobutyl, Isoamyl and activeAmyl), Non Volatile Matter, Heavy Metals and others.

Physical-chemical characteristics of wines are characterized by thecontent of ethanol, sugars, acids, polyphenols and other components. Thenumber and combination of these substances depend on the organolepticcharacteristics of wines. To improve the organoleptic properties ofalcohol beverages and drinking water it is necessary to use purificationmethods and devices, which the consumer can use to improve theirquality. The ordinary consumer should be given an opportunity to improvethe taste of alcohol beverages to the required quality and purifydrinking water. This will be possible if consumers are able to purchaseand use simple and reliable home devices for treatment of alcoholbeverages and drinking water to improve their organoleptic propertiesand remove impurities.

Methods of finishing treatment of alcohol beverages through filters ofdifferent designs such as flexible membrane and rigid porous septum arequite widespread. The methods of finishing treatment aremicrofiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis.

Microfiltration (commonly abbreviated to MF) is a type of a physicalfiltration process where a contaminated fluid is passed through aspecial pore-sized membrane to separate microorganisms and suspendedparticles from the process liquid. Microfiltration is a process ofseparating liquid from suspended particles 0.1-100 μm.

Ultrafiltration (UF) is a variety of membrane filtration in which forceslike pressure or concentration gradients lead to a separation through asemipermeable membrane. Ultrafiltration is a membrane separation processand fractionation, concentration of substances, carried out byfiltration of the liquid under the action of the pressure differencebefore and after membrane. Pore size ultrafiltration membranes rangefrom 0.01-0.1 μm.

Nanofiltration (NF) is a membrane filtration-based method that usesnanometer sized cylindrical through-pores that pass through the membraneat right angles. Nanofiltration membranes have pore sizes ranging from1-10 nanometers. Dead-end mode for the process of nanofiltration is notused, because such filtering mode inevitably leads to a rapid cloggingof the membrane. Thus, the nanofiltration process can only be used in across-flow mode of filtration, i.e. in the presence of a flow of fluidmoving along the membrane surface and jetting the discharge of thecontamination.

Methods of purification of liquids through porous septum (hardmicrofilters and flexible membrane) are problematic as they causedeposition of particulates, biological sediments, and the formation of afilm on the surface of the porous septum in the pores of membranes andmicrofilters. In the process of purification of liquids through porousseptum, microfilters and membranes typically become clogged by suspendedparticles, organic contaminants, and poorly soluble compounds. Theirsurface may also become covered with a film of impurities on thepressure side, thus impeding the flow of fluids through a porous septum.This leads to a decrease in the specific performance of microfilters andmembranes, reducing their lifetime. To restore the filtration propertiesof membranes and microfilters they are cleaned by various methods.

Hydrodynamic methods of cleaning porous septum include flushing ofexternal sediments out of the pressure channel with pressurized liquid,gas-liquid emulsion, pulsating flow, backwashing with permeate. Inpractice, the most widely used method is the washing of the pressurechannel of the filter modules with a strong jet of liquid. The washingliquid, which is often the solution itself, is pumped through the filterand membrane apparatus at a higher rate.

The choice of purification method depends on the size andcharacteristics of particles and substances from which it is necessaryto purify the liquid. The smaller the size of particles, associates ofmolecules and molecules of the substances being removed, and the greatertheir concentration is, the more complex is the equipment and technologyfor filtering.

One of the ways to increase the effectiveness and reduce the cost offinishing methods for purification of liquids is preliminary physicalprocessing of liquids to reduce the concentrations of chemicalcontaminants and changes in their physical-chemical properties.

Methods of hydrodynamic treatment and cavitation treatment of liquidsthat change their physical-chemical properties are known. Cavitation canbe of many origins, including acoustic, hydrodynamic, laser-induced orgenerated by injecting steam into a cool fluid. Acoustic cavitationrequires a batch environment and cannot be used efficiently incontinuous processing, because energy density and residence time wouldbe insufficient for a high-throughput. In addition, the effect ofacoustic cavitation diminishes with an increase in distance from theradiation source. Treatment efficacy also depends on a container size asalterations in the fluid occur at particular locations, depending on theacoustic frequency and interference patterns.

When a fluid is fed in a flow-through hydrodynamic cavitation device ata proper velocity, cavitation bubbles are formed as a result of thedecrease in hydrostatic pressure inside the specially designed passages.When the cavitation bubbles transit into a slow-velocity, high-pressurezone, they implode. Such implosion is accompanied by a localizedincrease in both pressure and temperature, up to 1,000 atm and 5,000°C., and results in the generation of local jet streams, shock waves andshearing forces. The release of a significant amount of energy activatesatoms, ions, molecules and radicals located in the bubbles and/or theadjacent fluid and drives chemical reactions and processes. The bubbleimplosion can be coincidental with the emission of light, whichcatalyzes photochemical reactions. (Suslick, 1989; Didenko et al., 1999;Suslick et al., 1999; Young, 1999; Gogate, 2008; Moholkar et al., 2008;Zhang et al., 2008.)

U.S. Patent Applications Publication Nos. 2006/0081541 (Kozyuk) and2007/0102371 (Bhalchandra et al.), and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,393,417 and5,326,468 to Cox, U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,697 to McGuire disclose methodsand apparatuses that use cavitation for treatment and purification ofwater and other fluids.

Russian Patent No. 2316481 to Sister describes a method of purificationof wastewater from surface-active substances, in which the water issubjected to ultrasonic cavitation at a sound radiation intensity of1.5-3 W/cm².

Complex physical and chemical processes occur in the water subject tocavitation treatment. Its hardness decreases, i.e. water becomes softer.The electrical conductivity also decreases. The color value decreases bymore than two times because of the collapse of humic acid molecules intofree radicals, which precipitate. Because of intense cavitationmicrobiological impurities, such as bacteria, spores and viruses arealmost completely neutralized in the water. Any water treatment processconsists of conversion of substances dissolved in the water intoinsoluble substances or gases, and their subsequent removal (Kumar, J.K. Cavitation—a New Horizon in Water Disinfection. Water disinfection byultrasonic and hydrodynamic cavitation/Verlag: VDM, 2010.—304 p. Gogate,R. P. Application of cavitational reactors for water disinfection:Current status and path forward//Journal of EnvironmentalManagement.—2007.—Vol. 85.—P. 801-815. Inactivation of Food SpoilageMicroorganisms by Hydrodynamic Cavitation to Achieve Pasteurization andSterilization of Fluid Foods/P. J. Milly [et al.]//Journal of FoodScience.—2007.—Vol. 72, No. 9.—P. 414-422. Arrojo, S. A ParametricalStudy of Disinfection with Hydrodynamic Cavitation/S. Arrojo, Y. Benito,A. Martinez//Ultrasonics Sonochemistry.—2007.—No. 15.—P. 903-908.).

Cavitation treatment of ethanol and alcohol beverages causes dissolutionof impurities, decreases concentration of simple aldehydes and esters(acetaldehyde, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methanol, isopropanol, andother impurities) decreases, and precipitation by salts of heavy metals.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0330454 to Mahamuni discloses a methodand system for treatment of alcohol beverages. A process includingultrasonic processing by acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation areapplied to the beverage product in a controlled fashion so as to achievea desired transformation thereon.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2016/0289619 to Mancosky disclosing theprocess of aging spirits to obtain aged liquors includes circulation ofspirits through a cavitation zone. The method and apparatus obtain thesame conversion of undesirable alcohols, flavor extraction and color asyears of aging in an oak barrel.

WO Patent Application No. 2005/042178 to Lee et al. discloses anapparatus and method for the treatment of wine using ultrasonictechnology. Ultrasonic cavitation is generated within the said winethereby decontaminating wine.

In Russian patent RU2368657 (Denisov et al.) alcohol-containing liquidpasses through the activator with turbulization part. After treatment ofvodka in the activator, the content of Aldehydes, Fusel oils, Esters andMethyl Alcohol is decreased in it.

Hydrodynamic cavitation and subsequent filtration of alcohol beverageswill increase the efficiency of the process of removing impurities fromthe liquid, reduce the load on the filter elements and increase theirlifetime, and produce beverages with high organoleptic quality.

Preliminary cavitation treatment of drinking liquids sent for furtherpurification on membranes and filters allows removing microbiologicalcontaminants, reducing the amount of harmful chemicals, breaking upagglomerates of solid particles, grinding solid particles to micro- andnanosize. Reduction in the concentration of living microflora, solidparticles with sizes exceeding the pore size, and chemical impuritiesextends the life of filters and membranes without their regeneration orreplacement.

The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other relatedadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses the method and the system of purification ofdrinking water, alcohol and alcohol beverages from microbiological andchemical contaminants, micro particles and colloidal particles. Themethod and device is based on the action of hydrodynamic cavitation onparticles, colloidal particles, microbiological and chemical impurities.The fluid flow moves at a high rate to generate hydrodynamic cavitationfeatures in the fluid flow to generate changes in the fluidic flow'svelocity, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and physicalproperties in order to reduce the concentration of impurities and toincrease the lifetime of membranes and filters for purification ofliquids from microbiological, chemical and mechanical impurities.

The method comprises the application of purification of alcoholicbeverages from microbiological and chemical contaminants, particles andcolloidal particles flow-through hydrodynamic cavitation to acontaminated fluid flow and filtration under the porous septum.Preferably, the fluid is subjected to hydrodynamic cavitation on its ownprior to the purification.

The multi-stage cavitation device in which the fluid flow is subject tohydrodynamic cavitation comprises an inlet sleeve provided with channelshaving both constrictions and expansions. The channels are preferablyshaped as Venturi tubes. Before the channels having contractions andexpansions, the fluid can be exposed to elements to create vortex flow.

The filter module can be designed as a standard cartridge for purifyingliquids or installed in a single housing with the multi-stage cavitationdevice. For mechanical or sorption purification of liquids, variousmaterials and substances in the form of loose, fibrous materials,flexible or rigid tubes and membranes can be used as filter elements inthe filter module.

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the high-speed fluidupgrading described herein, several objects and advantages of thepresent inventions are:

-   -   To provide a method that provides a high-throughput combined        with a high efficiency of purification.    -   To provide an apparatus that promptly generates changes in a        fluid flow's velocity, pressure, temperature, chemical        composition and properties.    -   To provide a compact apparatus for use as in an industrial plant        and a domestic version at home.    -   To provide a compact apparatus, in which cavitation facilitates        destruction of contaminants.    -   To provide a system that increases the efficiency of the porous        septum and ensures long-term operation of the filtration system.    -   To provide a system that increases organoleptic indices of        alcoholic beverages.

The present invention is directed to reducing impurities affectingflavor, aroma and visual quality of alcohol beverages, increasing thelifetime of the filter systems for purification of alcoholic drinkingliquids configured for essentially continuous operation. Thepurification system includes a pump, a multi-stage cavitation device andfiltration module. The pump is configured to force a contaminated fluidthrough the system. The multi-stage cavitation device is fluidlyconnected to a fluid discharge from the pump. The multi-stage cavitationdevice may include a plurality of multi-stage cavitation devices,connected in series or in parallel. The filtration module is fluidlyconnected to a fluid discharge from the multi-stage cavitation devices.

The purification system may further include a receiving tank configuredto receive and store fluid for treatment. The receiving tank is disposedupstream of the pump and fluidly connected to a fluid inlet on the pump.The filtration module can be connected to the tank for return of treatedfluid to a new loop in the purification system or to an outlet fordischarge of liquid with unfiltered impurities, particles and colloidalparticles and to an outlet for discharge of purified liquid.

A process for treating contaminated fluid includes the steps ofcavitating the contaminated fluid in a multi-stage cavitation device,and filtration of a treated fluid outlet. The process may also includethe steps of storing a predetermined quantity of the untreated fluid ina receiving tank, and pumping the untreated fluid from the receivingtank to the multi-stage cavitation device.

The location of cavitating devices in the vicinity of the porous septumof the filter system will allow the cavitation bubbles to impact thecolloidal particles, the associates of molecules, the molecules ofimpurities, and microorganisms accumulated on the porous septum.Hydrodynamic and acoustic effects of cavitation bubbles on the microfilmemerging on the surface of the membrane or microfilter prevent itsformation and consolidation on the porous septum surface. This willallow using membranes and microfilters for a longer time withoutcleaning or replacement, reducing the load on the filter elements.

The present invention is directed to a method for the purification andimprovement of organoleptic indicators of treatment liquids, includingdrinking water, ethanol and alcoholic beverages. The method begins withpumping a treatment liquid under pressure into a multi-stage cavitationdevice. The treatment liquid is processed in the multi-stage cavitationdevice to form a processed liquid. The processing includes generatinghydrodynamic cavitation in the treatment liquid. The processed liquid isthen purified through a filter module to form a purified liquid. Thepurifying includes reducing a concentration of contaminants, solidparticles, and colloidal particles in the processed liquid. The purifiedliquid is discharged from the filter module.

The multi-stage cavitation device preferably has at least two cavitationstages, each cavitation stage comprising a helical plate and a cylinderbody defining a central channel having a constriction and an expansion.The multi-stage cavitation device may include a plurality of multi-stagecavitation devices connected in series.

The processing of the treatment liquid includes generating hydrodynamiccavitation in the liquid by changing fluid velocity and fluid pressurewithin the multi-stage cavitation device. The hydrodynamic cavitationalters temperature, chemical composition and physical properties of thetreatment liquid. The pumping, processing, and purifying steps may berepeated on the purified liquid one or more times before performing thedischarging step.

A storage tank may be provided for containing the treatment liquid. Thepumping step pumps the treatment liquid from the storage tank. Thepurified liquid may be returned to the storage tank after the purifyingstep, where the pumping, processing, and purifying steps are performedone or more times on the liquid in the storage tank before performingthe discharge step.

A single housing may be provided that contains in sequence themulti-stage cavitation device and the filter module. The single housingpreferably includes at least two cavitation stages and one filtermodule. Each cavitation stage includes a helical plate and a cylinderbody defining a central channel having a constriction and an expansion.The filter module includes an annular cylindrical insert surrounding acylindrical filter element.

The annular cylindrical insert preferably defines a plurality of annularbulges forming contractions and expansions in a gap between the annularcylindrical insert and the cylindrical filter element. The processedfluid is preferably cavitated in the gap between the annular cylindricalinsert and the cylindrical filter element so as to prevent and removeblockages of the filter element.

The alcoholic beverage may include vodka, brandy, whiskey, rum, gin,wine, and aqueous solutions of natural or synthetic alcohols. Thealcoholic beverages may be crude, filtrated, or purified. The drinkingwater may be tap water, artesian water, well water, spring water, lakewater, or fresh water.

The present invention is also directed to a system for purification andimprovement of organoleptic indicators of treatment liquids, includingdrinking water, ethanol and alcoholic beverages. The system preferablyincludes a high-pressure pump fluidly connected to a multi-stagecavitation device, which is in turn fluidly connected to a filtermodule. The system may also include a storage tank fluidly connected tothe high-pressure pump as a supply of treatment fluid. The filter modulemay be fluidly connected to the storage tank so as to recycle theprocessed treatment fluid. A secondary pump may be included between andfluidly connected to both the multi-stage cavitation device and thefilter module. A drain valve may be included between the storage tankand the high-pressure pump so as to selectively remove liquids from thestorage tank.

The multi-stage cavitation device preferably has an inlet fluidlyconnected to the high-pressure pump. The multi-stage cavitation devicehas at least two cavitation stages, each cavitation stage comprising ahelical plate and a cylinder body defining a central channel having aconstriction and an expansion. The multi-stage cavitation may be aplurality of multi-stage cavitation devices connected in series. Asingle housing may contain the multi-stage cavitation device and thefilter module as a single unit, wherein the filter module comprises anannular cylindrical insert surrounding a cylindrical filter element.

The annular cylindrical insert preferably defines a plurality of annularbulges forming contractions and expansions in a gap between the annularcylindrical insert and the cylindrical filter element. The filter modulemay include a cartridge containing loose filter or adsorbent material,fibrous material, rigid or flexible porous tubes or membranes.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates in flow chart form the scheme of the system forpurification of alcoholic beverages of impurities;

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the multi-stage cavitationdevice;

FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of multi-stage cavitation devices arranged inseries;

FIG. 4 illustrates the combined multi-stage cavitation device and filtermodule located in a common housing;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the filter module of FIG. 4 in circle 5;

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a filter modulelocated in a common housing with the multi-stage cavitation device;

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the gap between body and porous septum ofthe combined cavitational and filtering device of FIG. 6 in circle 7;

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the gap betweenbody and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering deviceof FIG. 6 in circle 7;

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the gap betweenbody and porous septum of the combined cavitational and filtering deviceof FIG. 6 in circle 7; and

FIG. 10 is a partial cut-away, isometric drawing of a device forpurification of alcoholic beverages in table-top version for use athome.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A principal diagram of a possible system for purification 10 of drinkingwater, aqueous solutions of alcohols and alcohols is depicted in FIG. 1.The purification system 10 is comprised of the several parts that makeit possible to efficiently treat of alcoholic beverages and removevarious contaminants there from by using filtration. The system 10consists of inlet tank 12, which is filled with fluid to be purified. Ahigh-pressure pump 14 feeds the fluid to multi-stage cavitation device16 (FIG. 2) or to the set of cavitation devices 20 (FIG. 3) for thecavitation treatment of the fluid. The set of cavitation devices 20 maycomprise 2, 3, 4, or more devices as needed. To provide the requiredpressure drop necessary for the filtration process, an additional pump22 may be installed upstream of the filter module 18 to increase thepressure in the fluid flow to the required level. The filtration module18 provides filtration on the fluid to be purified.

Multi-stage cavitation device 16 comprises several stages or regions 24to generate cavitation in the fluid stream. A region 24 for generatingcavitation may consist of elements such as a twisted plate 26 to form aspiral element to tighten the flow of liquid and a work piece in theform of a cylinder 28 with a central channel 29 having a constrictionand expansion of the passage section of the fluid flow for inception ofcavitation. The constriction and expansion of the passage section of thefluid flow of the central channel 29 is preferably designed in the formof Venturi tube. The cavitation stages 24 are installed in a housing 32.Feeding and discharge of the treated liquid is done through inlet 34 andthe outlet 36 installed on the housing 32.

In the multi-stage cavitation device 16 (FIG. 2), macro vortexes aregenerated in the fluid flow, by both the twisted plate 26 and cylinder28, which are accompanied by local pressure decreases to the saturatedvapor point of the fluid at the given temperature. When this happens,the proper conditions for the growth of cavitation nuclei in thecavitation bubbles are reached. The formed cavitation bubbles pulse andimplode in downstream high-pressure zones.

Stages 24 for generating cavitation is installed in the housing 32.Multi-stage cavitation device 16 can be arranged in the set ofcavitation devices 20 (FIG. 3) connected between pump 14 and filter unit18 (or pump 22 when needed) by means of piping 38. A filter module 18can be installed in the form of a standard cartridge for quickreplacement. In the design of the filter module 18, various materialsand substances can be used for mechanical or sorption purification ofliquids in the form of loose, fibrous materials, flexible or rigid tubesand membranes.

The filter module 18 can work in a dead-end mode, where a contaminatedfluid passes through a special pore-sized microfilter or membrane toseparate suspended particles from the process liquid, or in a cross-flowmode of filtration, i.e. in the presence of a flow of fluid moving alongthe membrane surface and jetting the discharge of contaminated liquid.

The micro filter or membrane module 18 may also be installed in a singlehousing together with a cavitation device 16 to increase the cleaningefficiency of the filter surface, as shown in FIG. 4. The combinedcavitation and filter module 30 installed in a single housing 32consists of a multi-stage cavitation device 16 and a filter element ormembrane 40 similar to the filter module 18. To work in dead-end mode,the device 30 has one inlet 34 and one outlet 36. To work in across-flow filtration mode the device 30 has one inlet 34 and twooutlets: the purified outlet 36 is used for discharge of purifiedliquid, and the waste outlet 46 is designed to discharge liquid withcolloidal particles and chemical impurities out of the device 30 (FIG.5).

In the housing 32, in the zone of the filter element 40, a cylindricalinsert 42 can be mounted, with bulges 44 on its inner surface to provideturbulence of the treated fluid as it flows along the filtering surface(FIGS. 5-6).

The shape of an annular section of bulges 44 for turbulent flow may havean angular or rounded profile, forming the constrictions and thesubsequent expansion of the flow section for liquid flow, as shown inFIGS. 7-9. The shape of the annular section of bulges 44 can have asurface profile of a Venturi tube, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.Alternatively, bulges 42 can have an undulating profile as shown in FIG.9.

The system 10 for purification of drinking water, ethanol and alcoholbeverages of impurities can be made in an industrial version for highperformance and a table-top version for use at home. A preferredembodiment of the table-top version of the device 50 for purificationand improvement of the quality of alcohol beverages is shown inisometric view in FIG. 10.

The table-top version of the device 50 for purification and improvementof the quality of drinking water, ethanol and alcohol beveragescomprises a liquid filling tank 52. The tank 52 preferable has acapacity of 0.2-1.0 gallons in volume. A pump 54 is connected to thetank 52 for transfer of the liquid to be treated to one or moremulti-stage cavitation devices 56, with multiple devices preferablyconnected in series. A filter cartridge 58 is connected to the outletfrom the last of the cavitation device 56 to remove microbiological andchemical impurities, as well as solid and colloidal particles from theliquid. The outlet of the filter cartridge 58 is preferably connectedback to the tank 52.

The table-top device 50 preferably has an outlet valve 60 to controlfluid flow in multiple processing modes, whether to dispense purifiedliquid, or to rinse and drain washing water from the system. To controlthe fluid pressure at the outlet of the pump 54, a manometer 62 isprovided. The piping system 64 is preferably made of standard fittingsand flexible tubes. The operation of the device 50 is controlled throughan electronic control system 66 that is operationally connected to pump54. The table-top device 50 has no analogues for purification andimprovement of the quality of drinking water and alcoholic beverages athome.

Looking at FIG. 1, the inventive purification system 10 functions asfollows. Fluid to be treated enters the tank 12 and then is transferredby the pump 14 to the cavitation device 16 or the series of cavitationdevices 20. The cavitation bubbles generated in the fluidic flow in eachcavitation device 16 pulsate and implode, resulting in heat and masstransfer processes and destruction of contaminants and pathogens. Thefluid is then transferred from the cavitation device 16 or the set ofcavitation devices 20 to filtration module 18. A secondary pump 22 maybe used prior to the filtration module 18 as necessary to increase thefluid pressure through the filtration module 18.

Under the action of cavitation on the fluid, colloids and particleswhich can contain bacteria and viruses are dissolved. The pathogens aredeprived of protection under chemical and physical effects ofcavitation. Intense shock waves, cumulative fluid jets during collapseof cavitation bubbles cause the death of bacteria and viruses.

In the filtration module 18, an alcohol beverage is purified to removemicroparticles and colloid particles, whose dimensions are larger thanthe pores of the microfilter or membrane. In the filtration module 18,drinking water is purified to remove dead bacteria and viruses, solidparticles, and colloidal particles having dimensions larger than thepores of the microfilter or membrane.

After cavitation treatment, the particles to be removed generally havean average size smaller than that which existed before cavitation. Themicroflora does not emit waste products and does not emit substancesthat contribute to agglomeration of particles on the surface and in thepores of the microfilter membrane, so as to prevent or delay blockage ofthe membrane. The liquid may circulate from the filter module 18 backinto the tank 12 in a closed circuit, where it can then be removed fromthe purification system 10. Alternatively, the purified liquid may bedischarged from the filter module 18 via an outlet pipe.

When the treated fluid flows into the multi-stage cavitation device 16,it passes through the inlet 34 and successively passes through eachcavitation generating stage 24 and then be discharged from themulti-stage cavitation device 16 through the outlet 36. At each stage24, the liquid first flows around the helical plate 26 and then passesthrough the cylinder 28 with a central channel 29. As the liquid flowsrelative to the surface of the helical plate 26, the liquid swirls. Theswirling flow passes through the central channel 29 of the cylindricalbody 28, the channel 29 having a constriction in the form of a nozzleand an expansion in the form of a diffuser or the overall shape of aVenturi tube, in which cavitation is generated. The swirling flow passesthrough the central channel 29 at a higher a higher velocity than acomparable flow with streamlines parallel to the central axis 31. Thehigh flow velocity in the zone of the channel 29 with a minimum flowarea or throat of the Venturi tube causes reduction in the flow pressureto the saturated vapor pressure and the formation of cavitation bubblesthat pulsate and collapse when they enter the zone of increased pressurein the diffuser or at the outlet of the Venturi tube.

The collapse of cavitation bubbles produces enough energy for thedissociation of water, alcohol and other molecules followed by thegeneration of protons, hydroxyl ions, hydroxyl radicals, peroxide andhydrogen molecules. Gas molecules present in these bubbles are excitedand affected by multiple energy and charge exchange processes. Oxygenand hydrogen molecules participate in a number of reactions, includingthe formation of hydroperoxyl radicals.

Alcoholic beverages based on an aqueous solution of alcohol (vodka,brandy, whiskey, rum, gin and others), as well as food ethanol maycontain impurities such as Acetaldehyde and/or Acetal, Benzene,Methanol, Fusel Oils, as Isobutyl, Isoamyl and active Amyl, Non VolatileMatter, Heavy Metals and others. The presence of these impurities inalcohol-containing beverages reduces their flavor and aroma qualities.Cavitation treatment of alcohol beverages and ethanol causes destructionof impurities, decreases the concentration of Acetaldehyde, Acetal,Benzene, Methanol, Fusel Oils, precipitation of salts of heavy metals,thus helping to improve the organoleptic indicators of alcoholbeverages.

When the purification system 10 is in operation, a portion of thecavitation bubbles from the cavitation device 16 is moved by the liquidflow into the filter module 18. The cavitation bubbles come to thesurface of the microfilter or membrane and collapse. When cavitationbubbles collide, pressure waves are generated, and cumulative jets arereleased towards the surface of the microfilter or membrane. Pressurepulsations and cumulative jets destroy contaminants that can bedeposited on the surface of the microfilter or membrane.

In a combined cavitation and filter device 30, cavitation bubbles areformed both in the cavitation stages 24 and in the areas of bulges 44for turbulent flow of the treated liquid as it flows along the filteringsurface of the microfilter or membrane 40.

When the fluid flows in the gap between the insert 42 and the filterelement 40, the constrictions and expansions caused by the bulges 44create eddies, which generate hydrodynamic pressure pulsations andcavitation. The subsequent collapse of cavitation bubbles generatespressure waves, and releases cumulative jets towards the surface of themicro filter or membrane.

Pressure pulsations and cumulative streams prevent solid and colloidalparticles, molecular associates and molecules of various impurities fromforming a contaminant film on the surface of the filter elements.Removing contamination from the surface of the microfilter or membranecan increase the service life and reduce the load on the filterelements. As the surface of the filter element is kept clean, withoutaccumulated contaminations, the filter element operates for a long timeat the minimum design pressure. This makes it possible to increase theoperating time of the filter element until it needs to be replaced orcleaned.

The combined cavitational and filtering device 30 can operate both inthe dead-end mode (FIG. 6) and in the cross-flow mode of filtration(FIG. 5). When working in the dead-end mode, the liquid to be treated isfed into the inlet 34 of the combined device 30, passes through thecavitation generation stages 24, is filtered through the filter element40, and is discharged from the device 30 through the outlet 36.

When operating in a cross-flow mode, the processed liquid is fed throughinlet 34 of the combined device 30, passes through the cavitationgenerating stages 24, is filtered through the filter element 40, and thepurified liquid is discharged from the device 30 through the outlet 36.The liquid with particles, colloidal particles and chemical impuritiesis discharged from the device through the waste outlet 46. Thecross-flow mode is the most efficient operating regime for combinedcavitational and filtering device 30, since the flow velocity in the gapbetween the body and porous septum of the combined device 30 is large,the flow has a developed turbulence and cavitation, which prevents thedeposition of contaminants on the surface of the filter element 40.

The inventive purification system 50 functions as follows. An alcoholicbeverage is poured into a container 52 and then is transferred by thepump 54 to the series-connected multi-stage cavitation devices 56. Thecavitation bubbles generated in the fluidic flow pulsate and imploderesulting in heat and mass transfer processes and destruction ofcontaminants. The fluid is then transferred from the final multi-stagecavitation device 56 to the filtration cartridge 58. Alternatively, thecombined cavitational and filtering device 30, may replace the seriesconnected multi-stage devices 56 and filtration cartridge 58.

In a filtration cartridge 58, a fluid is purified of particles andcolloidal particles, whose dimensions are larger than the pores of themicrofilter or membrane. After purification in the filter cartridge 58,the fluid may be removed from the tank 52 of the purification system 50directly through the outlet valve 60. The liquid can also circulate fromthe filter cartridge 58 back into the tank 52 in a closed circuit andthen be removed from the purification system 50 as described.

Example 1

Raw vodka in a volume of 1 liter was poured in the top-table device forpurification of alcohol-containing beverages. Vodka was subject to thecavitation treatment and purified through the filter module in the formof a cartridge filled with activated carbon in a cyclic mode for 12minutes. The pressure at the outlet of the pump was 140 psi, the flowwas 2.7 liters per minute. Impurities were determined using FFAP columnchromatography.

Table 1 shows that the amount of chemical impurities in vodka decreasedby an average of 5%. The harsh smell of vodka dissipated, and its tastebecame softer.

TABLE 1 Concentration, milligram/liter Impurity Before treatment Aftertreatment Acetaldehyde 1.0632 1.0126 Methyl acetate 0.911 0.847 Ethylacetate 0.882 0.859 Isopropanol 1.098 1.049

Example 2

Artesian water in the volume of 2 liters was poured in the top-tabledevice for purification of water. The water was cavitated and purifiedthrough a filter module in the form of a cartridge filled with activatedcarbon in a cyclic mode for 20 minutes. The pressure at the pump outletwas 135 psi, the flow was 2.5 liters per minute.

Table 2 shows indicators of artesian water before and after processingin the device for cavitation treatment and water purification.

TABLE 2 Parameter Before treatment After treatment Hydrogen index, pH7.3 7.9 Solid residual, mg/L 690 320 Water hardness, mg-eq/L 6.8 3.2Ferrum, mg/L 2.8 0.24 Manganese, mg/L 1.8 0.1 Chlorides, mg/L 115 39.5Sulfates, mg/L 210 24 Fluorides, mg/L 2.5 0.9

As can be seen from Table 2, the amount of contaminants in artesianwater significantly decreased. Hydrogen index increased due to thecavitation treatment of water, destruction of water molecules andincrease in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in water.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-stage cavitation device, comprising: atleast two cavitation stages disposed sequentially, each cavitation stagecomprising a helical plate immediately followed by a cylinder body,wherein the helical plate consists of a single spiral element and thecylinder body consists of, in sequence, defining a constriction nozzle,a central channel having a constriction, and an expansion diffuser. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the at least two cavitation stagesdisposed sequentially comprises a plurality of cavitation stagesconnected in series.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising asingle housing containing the at least two cavitation stages.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3, further comprising a filter module contained withinthe single housing immediately following the at least two cavitationstates, wherein the filter module comprises an annular cylindricalinsert surrounding a cylindrical filter element.
 5. The device of claim4, wherein the annular cylindrical insert defines a plurality of annularbulges forming contractions and expansions in a gap between the annularcylindrical insert and the cylindrical filter element.
 6. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the filter module has a cartridge containing a filterselected from the group consisting of loose filter or adsorbentmaterial, fibrous material, rigid or flexible porous tubes, andmembranes.